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After the Show: Daisuke Obana of N. Hoolywood

There’s been something buzzing about Japanese designer Daisuke Obana’s collection, N. Hoolywood, for several seasons now. And the humming came full pitch on Friday night in New York as Obana tackled as inspiration a U.S. designer’s darling: young Ernest Hemingway. If the wood slats, pilings, and a pre-show soundtrack of water lapping against the docks weren’t enough to let you know that this collection would be salty, the masculine tailoring, fisherman’s caps, and rugged knits that came down the runway sealed the deal (and that positively haunting chorus). Obana, like many of his countrymen and industry peers, have found something they can’t resist in the allure of Americana. We caught up with the designer afterwards—he was wearing a New York T-shirt.

****GQ: How’d you get the nickname "Mister Hollywood?"

Daisuke Obana: A neighborhood friend of mine in Japan started calling me it. Whenever I’d come back from America, he’d be like "It’s Mister Hollywood." My career path was weird to them, I guess.

****GQ: Is there a reason you choose to show in New York versus, say, Paris?

Obana: New York is so positive. Paris can be very slow to take to new things and ideas. I love the vibe here.

GQ: Will we see a dramatically different vision for the line every season? The clothing we just saw, and the Hemingway inspiration, seem like a far cry from spring.

Obana: When I got the inspiration for this season’s line, I just got so into it. It will likely be the same next time. When I’ve done something, I’m finished with it. I move on [laughs].

****GQ: Where do you want to see this collection go?

Obana: Honestly, I’d love to get an offer from an American label to design. I think I’m an excellent candidate to understand these brands, I’m an American brand geek!